UPDATE: Tunkwa Lake Road wildfire 50% contained at 165 hectares

(UPDATE: May 18 @ 4:30 p.m.) — A wildfire burning north of Logan Lake is now 50% contained, BC Wildfire says. The Tunkwa Lake Road blaze is now mapped at 165 hectares, up from 145 on Thursday.

The wildfire was discovered six kilometres north of Logan Lake on Tuesday, but hasn't threatened any structures. Today, there were 72 BC Wildfire personnel on site, along with several pieces of heavy equipment and one helicopter. Air tankers were on standby yesterday.

Tunkwa Lake Road #BCwildfire, located ~6km N of Logan Lake, is now being held. It is 50% contained, mapped at 165 ha. 72 personnel, as well as heavy equipment and 1 helicopter, are on site today. It is currently a smouldering, low-vigour surface fire with no visible flame. https://t.co/pV8WwNGTDC

(UPDATE: May 17 @ 1:30 p.m.) — A wildfire burning six kilometres north of Logan Lake is much less aggressive than it was when it was discovered two days ago.

BC Wildfire has mapped the Tunkwa Lake Road blaze at 145 hectares today and, while it is still classified as out of control, crews are making progress to get in contained.

"There may still be a little bit of fire activity within the perimeter, but it is low to moderate and the crews on the ground are feeling positive and optimistic," said fire information officer Marla Catherall.

Today there are 60 BC Wildfire personnel on site, 10 pieces of heavy equipment, two helicopters and air tankers on standby. While overnight crews have been assigned over the last two days, none will be needed tonight, Catherall said.

The wildfire, believed to be human caused, is still not threatening any buildings. Catherall said crews have made significant progress minimizing growth on the east side of the fire, which is closest to structures.

"Currently suppression efforts and being concentrated on the southwest corner of the fire, which is an area closer to Bose Lake," she said. "It's an area with rough terrain, and it was unreachable by machine."

The BC Wildfire Service is warning the public to be safe with campfires over the Victoria Day long weekend. From April 1 to May 16, they have responded to 134 wildfires in B.C.

The blaze just north of Logan Lake was discovered Tuesday afternoon and is believed to be human caused. Lucius said crews were headed back out this morning. Ground crews had support from air tankers yesterday evening.

"As of last night there were no structures threatened," Lucius said. "There are some structures in the vicinity but crews had made minimizing spread in that direction a priority and, as of last night, there were none threatened."

Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

(STORY: May 15 @ 4:30 p.m.) — BC Wildfire says 40 firefighters are tackling a new wildfire that was discovered near Logan Lake earlier this afternoon.

The fire is burning in the area of Tunkwa Lake Road and is believed to be human caused.

Fire information officer Nicole Bonnett said initial attack and ground crews are currently being supported by two air tankers. No structures are currently threatened by the wildfire.

Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Meanwhile, a fire that ignited closer to Kamloops on Monday was brought under control at just over one hectare. It was burning in the vicinity of Campbell Creek Road. Bonnett said crews were on site this morning doing mop-up.